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The recent “Ghostbusters” film was originally met with mild enthusiasm, which then erupted into energetic discussions when the film was released. Sure, there was a decent amount of excitement about the all-female cast, but most people saw the film as a reboot of a movie in which most millennials shared a minimal interest. So how did it become such a major focal point of discussion in contemporary culture?
Many saw the backlash as stemming from men who were upset that the movie was not catered specifically to them. And nothing motivates people like spite. “Ghostbusters” opened to a healthy weekend, grossing $46 million domestically with the potential of a sequel. And why not? The movie is amazing.
There are so many downright entertaining, laugh-until-you-cry moments in the movie – female actress and comedian Kate McKinnon is absolutely brilliant. And as a bonus, almost none of the characters are sexualized or objectified, except for Holtzmann (McKinnon), who is targeted toward gay women.
The movie did receive criticism because of its representation of African-American women, though. The only woman who does not have a Ph.D. – Leslie Jones’s character, Patty – is a black woman and an MTA worker. But here’s the thing: Patty is intelligent – she has a very specific knowledge of New York and it’s not because she works at the MTA; it’s because she reads a lot of non-fiction.
At the premiere of “Ghostbusters,” there were several little girls dressed up in Ghostbuster jumpsuits, watching their heroes in awe and adoration. So even if “Ghostbusters” isn’t to your tastes, just think about all the young women out there who may end up studying science because they have strong, female characters to look up to. After all, that’s what happened with Mae Jemison – the first African-American woman in space – who was inspired by Nichelle Nichols starring as Uhura on “Star Trek.”
People can only achieve what they see is possible – and the inspirational women of “Ghostbusters” are making sure the world’s eyes are open.
